Resident News Network

Hornets Swarm Paris; Take Baseball / Softball Sweep

Sports

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8:49 pm

Hornets Swarm Paris; Take Baseball / Softball Sweep

The Hackett Hornets and Lady Hornets flew into Paris on Thursday, and when the afternoon was over, they returned to Hackett with a doubleheader softball and baseball sweep of Paris. The victories put Hackett in control of the 3A-4 northern division in both sports. The Lady Hornets defeated Paris 7-1 and gave the Lady Eagles’ prolific pitcher, Jadyn Hart, her first loss of the season. The baseball Eagles also fell to Hackett by a score of 8-2. The only offense and run production that the Eagles could muster against the Hornets was a two-run blast by Duke Walker in the fifth inning. Walker’s home run cleared the left field fence easily, but that was all of the runs the Eagles would score in the game.

Resident Press was in Paris to cover the baseball match with Paris and Hackett. The Hornets chased Paris starter Juan Santos after just one and one third innings. Junior Jude Simmons came in and pitched well for approximately five innings in relief. Simmons was able to stop the bleeding to give the Paris offense a chance to get on track, but the hits never came for the Eagles against the pitching of Hackett.

Hackett starter Cole Ketchum pitched a brilliant game until he was relieved deep into the game. Jake Fisher relieved Ketchum, and Cash Oliver closed for the Hornets. The Eagles hitters managed to get a few hits that were scattered throughout the game, but other than Walker’s home run that was hit with on runner aboard, Paris was unable to get the key hit with runners on base to score runs and cut into the 8-0 lead. The Hackett pitchers kept the Eagles hitters frustrated all day.

Thursday’s game with Hackett was the third game in five days for the Eagles, and Paris’s lack of depth in pitching became apparent. Paris will play this week in the Logan County tournament in Magazine, and one objective for the Eagles will be to develop pitching depth and get their bats on track to resume conference play next week versus Cedarville.

Eagles baseball coach Josh Hart said after the game, “It was a tough divisional loss. Hackett’s pitching was able to keep us off balance and we were able to only scratch out a couple of hits; one of those being a Duke Walker two-run blast in the fifth inning.”

The Eagles play a non-conference game at Dover on Monday at 4:30 p.m. On Tuesday, the Eagles will return home for an important conference and divisional game with the Cedarville Pirates. First pitch for that game is scheduled for 5 p.m.

The Lady Eagles softball team will play a non-conference game on Monday versus Lamar at 5 p.m. Paris will also play Cedarville on Tuesday. As of publication time, that game is scheduled to start at 4:30 p.m. After Thursday’s losses to Hackett, the Cedarville games become extremely important “must wins” for both teams.

Photos from Thursday’s baseball game with Paris and Hackett are available on Facebook at Paris Eagles Sports. Fans from both schools can view and copy the photos at no charge.

Resident Press wishes all of our readers a Happy Easter weekend, and we will see you at the ballpark on Monday for the Lady Ealgles’ softball game with Lamar. Watch for that story in the Tuesday evening online edition of Resident Press.

See you at the ballpark on Monday!

Our Place in History

Networks

Tammy Teague

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6:03 am

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By Dr. Curtis Varnell

Southern New Mexico desert, one of the most desolate places in the U.S. Everything you see stings, bites, or has thorns on it. There, in the middle of nowhere, sets the small town of Columbus, New Mexico with a big sign proclaiming itself as the site the famous Mexican bandito Pancho Villa crossed the border and started the Mexican expedition of 1916 and 1917.

His raid on the American border forces resulted in the death of some twenty Americans as well as theft of American military property and the burning of the small railhead town.

Pancho needed supplies to carry out his revolution in Mexico and Columbus looked like an easy target. Probably unexpected, his actions brought swift retaliation from President Woodrow Wilson. Wilson assigned General Blackjack Pershing the job of tracking down the bandit and bringing him to justice.

Needing troops immediately, Pershing called up the National Guard. Troops from small towns throughout the Arkansas River Valley responded. The regional National Guard Commander was Col. Henry Stroupe of Paris. His unit included men from Magazine, Booneville, Paris, Dardanelle and other local towns. After reporting for duty in North Little Rock, the men were shipped by train to Columbus where they joined the 120,000 troops sent to chase Pancho.

Stroupe and his men encamped in tents, sweltering in the desert heat and blowing dust. While the National Guard protected the border, Blackjack and his army crossed into Mexico and pursued the Mexican ghost with little success. Villa was too elusive to allow himself to be trapped, instead fighting a guerilla warfare of secret attacks and then disappearing into the countryside.

One of the few success stories involved future General George Patton. Patton, while on a scouting expedition with twelve other men in three large Dodge touring cars, discovered that Julio Gardenas, one of Villa’s top Generals, was hiding out in a nearby village. Patton, demonstrating some of the traits that later made him famous, immediately attacked the hideout and killed three men, including Gardenas using his famous pearl-handled pistol. It is reported that he placed three notches on his gun, strapped the three dead men to the hood of his touring vehicle, and returned to camp.

After months of pursuing Villa and with WW1 approaching, America declared victory and withdrew. Pershing reviewed the troops, including those from Arkansas, while standing in a raised gazebo in Columbus. The photos of that review stand and the encampment are photos found in our local historical society albums. Pictured are Col. Stroupe and many prominent citizens of our local towns.

Stroupe and his men returned home to a hero’s welcome. Stroupe went on to become mayor of Paris, a state legislator, and ran for governor of the state. The Stroupe building at Arkansas Tech University was later named for him. Many of the men that returned with him, including his son, were later sent to France to fight during WW1.

Many times we have to remind ourselves that we don’t just learn history, we are a part of it. Our young men rubbed shoulders with the famous men of our history books. They suffered, and in many cases died, protecting the hills and valleys that make up our home.

Tips to Liven Up This Year’s Youth Turkey Hunt

Outdoors

Tammy Teague

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6:00 pm

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Tips to Liven Up This Year’s Youth Turkey Hunt

By Randy Zellers Assistant Chief of Communications

LITTLE ROCK — With the 2021 youth hunt less than two weeks away, many mentors are already pacing the floor trying to figure out how they are going to get their little hunter on a bird on opening day. Here are a few tips from three of the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission’s bird-obsessed biologists and staff to flatten the learning curve and make lifelong memories.

Practice and preparation
Brad Carner was the AGFC’s turkey program/small game coordinator in 2004 when Arkansas instituted its first youth turkey hunt. Since that time, he has progressed to become chief of the AGFC’s Wildlife Management Division. He still spends many of his spring mornings chasing birds and is passing the passion on to his own son.

“Talk to them about what to expect, how to identify a legal gobbler, to stay still when the turkey is looking for the hen they heard, and other important lessons that lead to success,” Carner said. “You should still be close enough to whisper instructions and calming words during the actual heat of the moment, but that shouldn’t be the first time they’ve heard them.”

Pre-hunt preparation doesn’t end with talk. Carner says hunters should prepare their young hunters for the experience by practicing similarly to the actual hunt.

“Let the youth shoot the exact shotgun they will be using from the same position they will most likely be hunting from,” Carner said. “Whether it’s sitting on the ground with the barrel resting on a knee, or using shooting sticks, they need to get comfortable holding the gun steady for a little while before making the shot.”

Comfort is key
David Covington is a field biologist at the AGFC’s Brinkley office who has been fired up about spring ever since he was bitten with the turkey hunting bug during his college days in the mid-90s.

“I was hooked, or should I say ruined, ever since my first hunt when I heard a turkey gobble in the woods,” Covington said. “I’ve learned a lot through trial and error since that time, and I’ve been fortunate enough to hunt turkeys in a few different states.”

In addition to teaching his son and daughter to turkey and deer hunt, Covington has been able to share his passion for turkeys with many new hunters, young and old.

“I’ve even been able to be a part of calling in a few of my coworker’s first birds over the years,” Covington said. “Some turkey hunters collect beards and spurs, I like to say I collect people. There’s just nothing like seeing someone’s eyes when they first hear a mature bird drumming only a few dozen yards away from them. It’s a rush.”

Covington’s top advice for a new mentor? Make sure to keep things comfortable for newcomers.

“Thermocells and permanone can help with the insects that are getting active in the woods again, and a comfortable chair can help a lot if you have scouted ahead of time and can set up in advance,” Covington said. “I’ve even brought small heater for youth hunters I’ve taken on cold days to help them a little first thing in the morning.”

Covington also suggests a blind to help hide all the movement from a fidgety youth.

“My son actually doesn’t like being in a blind now so we can stay more mobile, but when kids are really young, a blind is the way to go,” Covington said. “You can even set up a few natural blinds with branches and natural material in some of your scouted locations.”
Covington says portable blinds not only help conceal movement but also add to the comfort factor, shielding young hunters from rain and wind.

Silent snacks
Jacob Bokker is the assistant regional supervisor in east-central Arkansas who spends many days in western Arkansas with his wife and kids camping and hunting each spring, turning it into a family affair. He agrees that comfort is key when it comes to keeping youth hunters from getting a case of the fidgets.

Bokker also puts a little more preparation into the day’s menu for a youth hunt than he does when he hunts alone. Bring along a little more food and water than you think you might need in case the turkeys don’t cooperate and the hunt turns into a long sit. Try to avoid snacks that come in noisy foil or plastic pouches, because those little noisemakers will undoubtedly find their way underneath your foot and seemingly be heard throughout the woods if you try to move when a gobbler is nearby.

“We take the snacks out of the cellophane and put them in ziplocs, which are much quieter,” Bokker said.

Nothing is better than some homemade cookies or sandwiches in nice, quiet plastic wrap. Add a reusable bottle filled with water and maybe a little flavoring, and you can add more enjoyment to those long, quiet hunts when the gobblers don’t want to play. You can even get younger family members to join in on the hunt by having them help you prepare the snacks the night before. Just be sure to pack out everything you packed in.

It’s for the kids
Without a doubt, the number one recommendation from each of our veteran hunters is to keep it fun. Jeremy Wood, AGFC turkey program coordinator, says parents should remember that success shouldn’t be defined by a filled tag, but a worthwhile experience.

“Did they get to hear their first gobble? See a bird up close in the wild? See the woods come alive on a spring morning? Those are the things we remember most,” Wood said. “Don’t force things because you know that you could get to a bird if you hustled a little harder than they are able to, yet. And be sure to point out all the other things that made the hunt a success, bird or no bird. Try not to get so wrapped up in trying to make a perfect hunting memory that you miss the memories already happening.”

Arkansas’s Special Youth Turkey Hunt is April 10-11 statewide. Only hunters 6 to 15 years old may hunt turkeys during the youth hunt. Youths who have completed hunter education may hunt on their own at their parents’ discretion. Youths who have not completed hunter education must be under the direct supervision (within arm’s reach) of an adult who is 21 or older. Youth hunters may harvest one male turkey during the youth hunt. They may shoot one immature gobbler (jake) as part of their yearly limit. Birds harvested during the youth hunt count toward the youth’s yearly limit.

Visit www.agfc.com/turkey for more information on Arkansas’s turkey season and AGFC turkey conservation efforts.

Tri-State Speedway Releases 2021 Schedule

Sports

Resident News Network

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8:42 am

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Tri-State Speedway Releases 2021 Schedule

Tri-State Speedway opens their 51st season April 10th with a Car Show.

2020 USRA A-Mod Track Champion Runner-Up Kyle Ledford

After a season that was filled with Covid guidelines and weather issues the 50th season of Tri-State Speedway was a banner year for the track high up on the hill. A total of 17 race weekends were action packed on the high banks in Pocola. Oklahoma drivers Grant Davis, H Wayne Palmer, and Cody King won the Factory Stock, Super Stock, and USRA B-mod track Championships respectively. Alma, Arkansas driver Lonnie Robins would take home the championship in USRA A-Mod.

With the 51st season just around the corner, the schedule for 2021 features 19 race weekends running from April to October. Kicking off the season is the 42nd Annual Kegger Honoring Cecil Harlin on April 29th. Harlin was a longtime promotor and owner for the Speedway, that had a knack for not only promoting the track but the drivers as well. The Kegger is a 3 day event with a test and tune on Thursday, Qualifying on Friday and Features on Saturday.

Tied in with the 5th Annual Steel Horse Rally is the 3rd Annual Steel Horse Shootout on May 7th. Cancelled in 2020 the Steel Horse Shootout is a must see event as Motorcycles make their way to the Speedway. The first Shootout was a standing room only crowd that witnessed exciting action on the track.

15 days after the Shootout, the United States Modified Touring Series (USMTS) rolls through the gate for the $10,000 to win Drive4JRT.com Juggernaut. This will be the 1st of 2 races for the USMTS as the series returns October 28th for another $10,000 to win feature, the USRA/USMTS Modster Mash King of the Ring. The series brings the heavyweight fighters of the Modified racing with drivers from all over the country going track to track to win the USMTS National Championship.

Rounding out the month of May is the Memorial Day Weekend Special on May 28-29. The USRA B-Mods gets a three day race. June 3-5. There will be a preview of the classes in the following weeks.

Greenwood native Andy Milliken in his USRA B-Mod

Regional touring series Ca$h Money Super Dirt Series Late Models come to Tri-State Speedway on June 12th. This will be the first of two shows for the Late Models as they return September 11th. Ca$h Money Late Models emphasize cost savings in the parts for the car, by having the cars run the same specified part.

Brandon Hunter during the 2020 Spooker Honoring Cecil Harlin

The first weekend without a special guest rolls in on June 26th, while points will be awarded at the races leading up to the end of June. This will be the first Saturday night with just the specific classes to the track. There will be three more race nights of just track classes sanctioned by the United States Racing Association (USRA), those dates are; July 10th, July 17th, and August 28th.

July 3rd is the 50th Annual Firecracker Spectacular honoring Curtis Tennant. Tennant was a resident of Greenwood and an avid racer at Tri-State Speedway. From racing to being a Tech Man at the Speedway, Tennant was known all over the local racing scene. Sadly he passed away in 2013 and each year the track honors him with their Independence Day race and giant fireworks show just as the sun sets.

July 29-31 is the USRA Factory Stock Special honoring Danny Martinez. This is a big night for the Speedway as all Police Officers, Firefighters, EMS, and First Responders are invited to come out and particepate in several laps at the track. It honors the life of Danny Martinez, who was a Fort Smith Police Officer who was killed in the Line of Duty in 2007. Officer Martinez was also a racer at Tri-State.

Various City Police Officers lead the field of cars on during the Danny Martinez Memorial laps

Labor Day Weekend brings the 23rd annual Super Stock Showdown honoring Randy Russell. One of several big money Super Stock races it attracts cars from all over Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Missouri. A win here and wins at the Mid-America Super Stock Championship at Batesville Motor Speedway, and the Big Buck 50 at Lucas Oil Speedway in Wheatland, Missouri. Gives a rare chance to win some great money and an unofficial Super Stock Triple Crown. Randy Russell was a racer in the Super Stock class up until is unexpected passing in 2019. He did a lot for local racing by sponsoring several races under the National Recovery Services banner.

Just one more special to round out the 2021 points season, on September 23-25 the USRA Stock Cars get their time to shine with a three day event. The following weekend, points racing concludes with the 51st Annual Point Championship Races the honor Tri-State founder Tillman Evans. Evans built the track starting in 1970 and opened midway through 1971 as a dirt track known as Mighty Mouse Speedway. Later in 71 the track was enlarged and paved which became a success with the speeds and the high banks. Future NASCAR legends Mark Martin, Rusty Wallace, the late Dick Trickle and Larry Phillips would make the trek to Pocola. With all the drivers coming in the name was changed to Tri-State Speedway and switched to dirt in the ’79 season. Evans’ Grandson Ty Evans is a weekly racer at the track and can be found piloting the white 5E in the Super Stock class in the most recent seasons.

Ty Evans climbs out of his car after winning the 2020 Tillman Evans Memorial race

Winged Sprint Cars make their appearance at the Speedway, albeit later in the year than their usual first half of the schedule slot. The American Sprint Car Series brings the Sooner Region and the Mid-South Region to do battle on the 3/8 mile oval. Last years race brought 30 Sprint Cars to get a shot at the 20 car, 25 lap A Feature. Blake Hahn from Sapulpa, Ok put on a dominating performance, as he used the top of the track to get the front and never looked back.

Rounding out the end of the season is the 42nd Annual Spooker honoring John Stand. If you ever wanted to go to party and race breaks out, than this is the one for you! Four days of on track action that brings together classes from surrounding tracks that is non-stop from Wednesday night to early Sunday morning. Last years race saw 400+ cars roll through the gate and stands that were to Covid guideline capacity. Get there early as it is hard to find an open spot. Last year, Marshalltown, Iowa native Ryan Gustin came to town and made history by winning the marque races of the night USRA A-mod and Late Model literally back to back. Gustin pulled his A-mod into victory lane then hopped in a side by side to his Late Model in the middle of the track. Then ran away with a win in that feature.

Ryan Gustin going wheel to wheel with Muskogee’s Chad Wheeler

Ryan Gustin on his way to a 2nd win on the night in the Late Model class

The race honors John Stand who was a longtime local racer and a darn good one at that. His success on the track and personality off made him a crowd favorite. When he passed away in 2017, I was still a new track photographer at the track, but it was certainly a week I will never forget. Stand had passed away the day before the Spooker race weekend was to run their first races and almost immediately the tributes at the track started to roll in. Memorial laps were done, cars changed their number to 6 as that was his number, it was just an incredible weekend.

During the memorial laps on the final night of the Spooker.

Chad Wheeler with a number change from his usual 88 to 6 to honor his driving hero John Stand

With all the racing on tap for the season it is easy to find a race that fits your schedule. Check their Facebook and Website tri-statespeedway.com for Admission and pit pass pricing. After each race weekend I will be posting Ross’ Roundup giving a recap of the races.

FDA Finds Hot Pockets Aid In Weight Loss

Megan Hecox

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6:13 am

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FDA Finds Hot Pockets Aid In Weight Loss

In a recent study done by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, scientists have found that out of 100 people, 95 of them lost 10-25 pounds in a two-week period solely eating Hot Pockets. “This is the most remarkable thing we have ever seen,” stated Professor Ima Smartypants. “The participants ate one Hot Pocket three times a day for 14 days. Immediately, the weight just started falling off. It seems there is a connection between the chemical our brains produce from the joys of eating Hot Pockets and our bodies releasing fat.”

When asked about the 5 participants who showed zero response to the Hot Pocket diet, Professor Smartypants replied, “They just weren’t committed! They had the audacity to say that they found Hot Pockets to be disgusting and inedible. So we kindly asked them to leave the study. With them gone, we now have a 100 percent success rate!” With the hundreds of flavors Hot Pockets has to offer, one would be hard-pressed to get bored eating the same thing over and over on a daily basis.

While the majority of Hot Pockets are encased in a buttery flaky crust, they do also offer pretzel crust options for those looking to cut carbs. Long-time yo-yo dieter, Ginger Vitus, couldn’t be happier to finally find a diet that not only works but taste good as well. “I have tried for decades to achieve this so-called beach body I keep hearing about but everything I have tried has failed. I mean, who really has time to work out and eat right? Between work, the kids, and my nightly Real Housewives of Orange County binge sessions, I’m a busy woman. It’s nice to finally be able to grab a Pocket and go and know that the yummy rectangle of goodness will do all the work for me!”

But there are still skeptics. Lewis N. Clark from NegativeNancyville, Pennsylvania, has zero confidence that the Hot Pocket diet actually works. “So you’re telling me that to lose this 125-pound spare tire, all I have to do is eat Hot Pockets all day? If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is!” Professor Smartypants concluded, “Just like everything else in life, don’t knock it til’ you try it.” As for me, I’m off to get beach body ready!

#FakeNews

AHSCA All-Star Announcement

Sports

Resident News Network

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5:07 pm

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The Arkansas High School Coaches Association is proud to announce the 2021 All-Star Football, Volleyball, Cheer, and Dance staff and rosters. The coaches were nominated by their conference and elected by a vote of their peers. The All-Star Coaches selected their teams from players nominated by their conference. These coaches and student-athletes are added to a prestigious list of high school coaches and athletes selected as All-Stars in past years.

Due to COVID-19 concerns, the 2021 All-Star Week and High School Coaches Clinic at the University of Central Arkansas have been canceled. While we are disappointed AHSCA will not be able to host the campers and play the games in June, this should not diminish from the accomplishments of the coaches and student-athletes during the 2020-2021 school year and their high school careers. Congratulations to each All-Star Coach and Athlete.

These are the following Resident Press student-athlete winners:

Cheer All-Star-West:

Nick Moore- Cedarville

Chloe Morrow- Cedarville

Ali Simpson- Lavaca

Football All-Star-West:

Dalton Curtis- Charleston

Kobe Faughn- Magazine

Jimmy Dikeman- Paris

Jayden Jasna- Greenwood

Braden Stein- Greenwood

Managers:

Luke Brewer- Greenwood

Parker Gill- Greenwood

Coaches:

Chris Young- Greenwood

Jason Gill- Greenwood

Ricky May- Charleston

Volleyball All-Star-West:

Madi Taylor- Hackett

Rain Vaughn- Hackett

Kinzee Brown- Lavaca

Brooke Wright- Mansfield

Hannah Watkins- Greenwood

Anna Johnson- Greenwood

Manager:

Madeline Freeman- Hackett

Coach:

Bridget Freeman- Hackett

AHSCA All-Star Announcement

Sports

Megan Hecox

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4:11 pm

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The Arkansas High School Coaches Association is proud to announce the 2021 All-Star Football, Volleyball, Cheer, and Dance staff and rosters. The coaches were nominated by their conference and elected by a vote of their peers. The All-Star Coaches selected their teams from players nominated by their conference. These coaches and student-athletes are added to a prestigious list of high school coaches and athletes selected as All-Stars in past years.

Due to COVID-19 concerns, the 2021 All-Star Week and High School Coaches Clinic at the University of Central Arkansas have been canceled. While we are disappointed AHSCA will not be able to host the campers and play the games in June, this should not diminish from the accomplishments of the coaches and student-athletes during the 2020-2021 school year and their high school careers. Congratulations to each All-Star Coach and Athlete.

These are the following Resident Press student-athlete winners:

Cheer All-Star-West:

Nick Moore- Cedarville

Chloe Morrow- Cedarville

Ali Simpson- Lavaca

Football All-Star-West:

Dalton Curtis- Charleston

Kobe Faughn- Magazine

Jimmy Dikeman- Paris

Jayden Jasna- Greenwood

Braden Stein- Greenwood

Managers:

Luke Brewer- Greenwood

Parker Gill- Greenwood

Coaches:

Chris Young- Greenwood

Jason Gill- Greenwood

Ricky May- Charleston

Volleyball All-Star-West:

Madi Taylor- Hackett

Rain Vaughn- Hackett

Kinzee Brown- Lavaca

Brooke Wright- Mansfield

Hannah Watkins- Greenwood

Anna Johnson- Greenwood

Manager:

Madeline Freeman- Hackett

Coach:

Bridget Freeman- Hackett

Greenwood Launches Vaccination Campaign

Tammy Teague

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2:27 pm

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The City of Greenwood has launched a campaign to encourage citizens to get vaccinated against COVID-19.

Community leaders such as Mayor Doug Kinslow, Dr. Sandy Johnson, Stanhope Wilkinson, Cinda Bell, Fire Chief Stewart Bryan, and Chamber President Bob Purvis all rolled up their sleeves to demonstrate their commitment to health. They know it is safe, easy, and the best way for life to get back to normal in Greenwood.

Mayor Doug Kinslow said, “I want all of Greenwood to be safe. Let’s get back to enjoying our lives in our wonderful town!”

Dr. Sandy Johnson agreed, adding, “here is a picture of me getting my first Covid vaccine as soon as I was eligible from Dr. Jody Gaston, a pharmacist from Health Depot. I got the vaccine for my family and my patients. At Johnson Dermatology we believe prevention and making smart choices are important. We want everyone to stay safe and healthy and skintastic!”

Stanhope Wilkinson with Farmers Bank also participated, “we are looking forward to reopening our community-focused bank. Let’s get vaccinated!”

“Getting vaccinated is the most important thing we can do to get back to the life we all want to live,” stated Cinda Bell.

Greenwood Chamber of Commerce President Bob Purvis shared: “Getting vaccinated will ensure that we can enjoy our friends and family again.”

Lastly, Fire Chief Stewart Bryan reminded the community of the importance of the vaccine. “Your first responders are getting vaccinated so we can serve our city safely.”

Lady Tigers Go Nuts With Big Win Over Acorn

Sports

Megan Hecox

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2:11 pm

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Lady Tigers Go Nuts With Big Win Over Acorn

Pictured is #7 Harlie Fuller

Things were over before the fat lady could sing in Monday nights over the top softball match-up between the Mansfield Lady Tigers and the Acorn Lady Tigers. Sitting tied 2-2 in the bottom of the third inning, by the time Acorn knew what was happening, Mansfield had taken off, ending the game with a winning score of 10-2. Pitching for the Lady Tigers and holding off Acorn, was freshman powerhouse, Alyson Edwards. Edwards went seven innings facing 27 batters with 95 pitches striking out 11.

After Acorn scored the first run to open the game, Mansfield’s Chloe Creekmore hit a fly ball that reached an error by an Acorn right fielder allowing Alyson Edwards to land her first run of the night in the bottom of the first inning. The Mansfield Lady Tigers tied things up in the bottom of the third when Kiara Thomas landed her first of two runs. From there on out it was nothin’ but the Mansfield dirt show as the Lady Tigers plucked Acorn like a bad apple.

Photo of Kiara Thomas courtesy of Crystal Thomas

In the fifth and sixth innings, Mansfield lived out the Wizard of Oz motto “There’s No Place Like Home”. Brooklyn Adams got the scoreboard moving with a run shortly followed by scores delivered by Serenity Brunson and Chloe Creekmore thanks to a triple by Hailey Walker. Natalie Allison slid into action with a score to open the bottom of the sixth trailed by Adams’ second run of the evening. With the score sitting at 7-2 Mansfield, the Lady Tigers got the fans on their feet as Skylynn Harris doubled on a line drive to center field bringing Thomas, Edwards, and Creekmore home. The Lady Tigers will batter up again on Thursday, April 1 against the Magazine Lady Rattlers.

Lady Eagles Win Important Conference Divisional Game Over Charleston, 8-0

Sports

Resident News Network

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9:21 am

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Lady Eagles Win Important Conference Divisional Game Over Charleston, 8-0

On a cool and rainy spring day in Paris, the Lady Eagles hosted the Charleston Lady Tigers in an important conference divisional game. It would be the first divisional game for both schools and would signal the start of the drive to make the post-season playoffs. Light rain fell for much of the game, but the entire game was completed and the infield remained playable without any stoppage in play to cover the field.

Charleston appeared to take an early first inning lead on what seemed to be an RBI hit by Rylee Ross. But in the first of many controversial plays and calls by the umpire crew, the runner was called out, and Paris escaped the first inning without giving up a run.

Charleston coach Ryan Myers commented on the play, “Rylee Ross had a good hit in the first, and if we catch a couple breaks here and there, it could have made a difference in the ball game.” In fact, the call in the first inning that nullified the Charleston run was the first of many such controversial calls in the game.

Paris senior Jadyn Hart was again dominant in the circle, going the distance for the shut-out win. Hart also had a late game home run that cleared the left field fence with plenty of distance.

The Lady Eagles’ offense was a combination of “small ball”, bunting base runners into scoring position, and timely big hits by the two Jadyns, Jadyn Hart and Jadyn Wells.

Paris coach Donald Hart said after the game, “I am proud of how we came out of spring break week ready to play. I thought we had a well-rounded ball game, both defensively and offensively. The offense did a good job of putting the ball into play and allowing us to utilize our speed on the base path. We got to start conference divisional play today, and we have to keep grinding to get better.”

Charleston pitcher Caddence Wibbing pitched well for the Lady Tigers, but fell victim in part to defensive miscues that allowed big innings for Paris. Coach Myers said, “Cadence Wibbing pitched a good game; the defense just let her down a couple of times.”

Overall, Coach Myers was pleased with the Lady Tigers’ effort, but noted that they have some things to clean up moving forward in the divisional schedule. “I thought we played hard, but you can’t make mistakes like we did against good teams like Paris. I told our girls that we have to get better fundamentally in the field to not make those mistakes…if we do that, we will win. It’s still early and we have a lot of season left.”

And Coach Myers is right, there is a lot of season left for all schools in the conference. As March ends, teams now enter the meat of their schedules in April, and all teams will be looking to string wins together and march toward the post-season tournaments. So many factors can influence a softball season for any team, including weather, injuries, and momentum. Hopefully, as the state’s COVID infection rate numbers continue to decline, perhaps the teams will not have to deal with postponements or cancellations due to the pandemic.

The Lady Eagles will take the field at home again on Thursday when they host the Hackett Lady Hornets in another important divisional game. First pitch is scheduled for 5 p.m. The baseball Eagles will also host the Hornets in Paris on Thursday. As of publication time, the Eagles are set to throw out the first pitch at 4:30 p.m.

Charleston will travel to Cedarville on Thursday to play the Lady Pirates. Game time is 4:30 p.m. The Lady Tigers will be looking to right the ship after a disappointing loss on Tuesday. Charleston has posted wins against Lavaca, Danville, and Waldron, and have now suffered losses to Cossatot River, Dover, Booneville, and Paris. The only loss that is a factor for the Lady Tigers is the loss to Paris. The Paris game was the first divisional game for Charleston and is the only loss that plays a factor in the Lady Tigers post-season hopes. Thursday’s game is huge for Charleston and their divisional standing. It should be a good one in Cedarville on Thursday.

Resident Press will again be in Paris on Thursday to cover the baseball Eagles and their game with Hackett. Watch for the story on this game in Friday afternoon’s online edition of Resident Press.

Additional photos of the Lady Eagles game with Charleston are now available on Facebook at Paris Eagles Sports. Fans from both schools are welcomed to visit the page and copy any of the photos at no charge.

The conference season is young, and Resident Press wishes both Paris and Charleston the best of luck as they play the remainder of their conference schedules. Come out to the ballparks in either Paris or Cedarville on Thursday to catch these teams in action. But make sure you bring a coat; the later innings could be very cool on Thursday afternoon!

See you at the ballpark on Thursday!

R

RESIDENT NEWS NETWORK